3D Milling Machine | Desktop Milling Machine MDX540

Anyway you look at it – the MDX-540 SRP System is a winner. It’s one of the fastest and most accurate RP systems on the market. And its price tag is less than half most additive systems. The desktop device comes complete with powerful CAM software, making it easy to quickly produce everything from functional and snap-fit prototypes to light metal moulds and custom jewellery.

MDX-540 Milling Machine Features

1. SRP Technology

SRP (Subtractive Rapid Prototyping) - starting with a solid object and removing unwanted material has several advantages over traditional additive rapid prototyping. SRP devices cost significantly less while producing prototypes out of a wider variety of non-proprietary materials with greater precision and better surface finish.

SRP Systems

Todd Grimm, the man who wrote the book on rapid prototyping for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, found that Roland SRP devices produce prototypes faster, better and cheaper than most additive RP systems

2. Functional Prototypes

Powered by a 400W spindle, the MDX-540 mills a wide variety of non-proprietary materials and popular engineered plastics such as ABS, Delrin, and nylon. Compared to additive RP systems, the desktop device produces functional prototypes that are better for structural, thermal, and electrical testing. Plus, MDX-540 parts meet a host of FDA and other government regulations.

The MDX-540 functional prototypes actually work. Handled by market focus groups, these prototypes must perform like the final manufactured product and survive a barrage of physical tests, including thermal and structural trials.

For example, toothbrush prototypes undergo in-vivo testing for hand fit, brush reach and handle deflection. The MDX-540 can also mill non-ferrous prototypes and moulds made of aluminium, brass and copper. This lets design engineers create metal moulds for rapid injection moulding and EDM electrodes for production tooling.

3. Bundled Software

Bundled SRP Player CAM software automates the prototyping process and generates tool paths with high speed and precision. The user-friendly, wizard-based program offers uniform 3D scaling, support for 4-axis milling, and simulation of finished 3D parts. It lets engineers quickly review the simulated prototype on the monitor and send it to the MDX-540 for production. The end result is faster prototype production, tighter dimensional accuracies and a silky smooth surface finish.

4. Rotary Axis (Optional)

With the optional rotary axis, the MDX-540 produces parts with even greater speed and accuracy. When one side is completed, the part is automatically rotated until all four sides have been milled. This saves engineers the time and reduces errors associated with rotating objects by hand.

5. Automatic Tool Changer (Optional)

The Roland Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) further reduces the time and cost associated with product development. From roughing to finishing, this optional accessory enables the MDX-540 to mill prototypes completely unattended. It automatically changes up to four preset tools of different sizes. The ATC comes with an air-activated, high-precision spindle.

6. High Precision

The MDX-540’s hi-precision spindle decreases vibration within the unit and produces extremely accurate models, ideal for complex snap-fits. With ISO15448 standard collets, the MDX-540 also generates a smooth surface finish that requires little to no post finishing work.

7. Speedy Production

Roland SRP devices can mill parts in an average time of just over four hours. According to Todd Grimm’s independent study of RP systems, the SRP process saves time by producing parts that are smooth and precise right off the machine. Additive systems, on the other hand, typically require time-consuming post finishing processes.

8. Office Ready

The MDX-540's emergency stop switch enables you to shut down the machine at the push of a button, making it safe to operate in any office environment. An optional safety cover makes the cutting mechanism inaccessible during operation and reduces dust in the surrounding environment. The MDX-540 is also compact enough to fit though standard-sized doors and roll from one room to the next.

9. Handheld Controller & Virtual Control Panel

The MDX-540’s Handy Panel and Virtual Control Panel simplify both setup and operation. The hand-held control panel can be extended from the machine, allowing you to operate the MDX-540 from a safe distance. It has a jog dial for changing spindle speed and selecting options on the menu. The Virtual Control Panel lets you control the MDX-540 directly from your PC.

10. Reliable Performer

Roland's international ISO certification is your quality assurance. Like all Roland products, the MDX-540 was designed and manufactured at a state-of-the-art, ISO-certified facility. Roland builds all products at its advanced Digital Factory one at a time by a single assembler – just like a Rolls Royce. Attention to detail is given the highest priority.

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Since Roland DG's inception in the early 80s, the company has gone through some remarkable phases of evolution.

Starting with analogue to digital converters, moving through musical synthesisers, then into our first digital X-Y plotter. This became the foundation for later products that would go head to head with the likes of Hewlett Packard and Calcomp in the mainstream engineering and architectural CAD plotter market.

By the mid 90s Roland DG was the world leader in production and distribution of Sign Writing machines with a range of vinyl cutters, engravers and a range of desktop milling machines that can be used for everything from jewellery making to engineering prototyping.

Today Roland DG provides a range of services to people in need of colour work flow and colour management advice throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Roland DG was appointed Pantone Key Graphics distributor for the South Pacific region and also distributes colour control product produced the GAIN (formerly known as the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation or GATF).